Women over forty years undergo changes in their body. The biggest change comes in their reproductive abilities. One such change women often witness is the change in the regularity of their periods. This happens when women cross the age of forty.
There is a process of change in your body while heading for menopause. This phase of transition is called perimenopause. One common symptom of Perimenopause is the change in the duration of periods. The gap between two periods also changes.
Women suffer from anxiety and low energy levels during this phase. There is nothing to worry. This is a transition phase for your body. Your mind needs to adapt and understand the changes happening to you.
There are many other reasons for a change in the duration of your periods. It can be due to some other issues that affect your body. It is advisable to take a private gynecology appointment in uk and get proper consultation in such matters.
This article will help in understanding what is the meaning of irregular periods.
What does it mean when the doctor says you have irregular periods?
When there is a big change in the period of the menstrual cycle, you have periods that are irregular. The menstrual cycle is the number of days between your last two periods. It is normal to have a cycle of twenty eight days, but this may vary. There may be more or a smaller number of days in the cycle.
If there is a regular change in the days of your cycle, it is an irregular period. A reason to consult your Harley Street gynecology specialist comes when the cycle comes in 21 days. Another reason is if the cycle comes after 35 days.
If you are experiencing such issues post the age of forty, it is most likely that you have Perminopause.
Meaning of Perminopause
There is a period of gradual transition after forty to menopause. Pregnancy can be unsafe. In a few cases, it is no more possible for a woman to conceive. This journey, from the years of having reproductive abilities, to menopause is known as Perminopause.
This period of Perminopause starts for women when they cross forty years of age. In some cases, it may happen earlier. In a few cases, it happens much later. Menopause happens when there have been no periods for a time of twelve months.
Many women undergo the phase of Perminopause without any problems. They may not feel the changes in them. However, in most of the cases, women face issues. This may range from mild to serious discomfort, or some other form of problem.
There are number of causes for Perminopause. The most common issues that lead to it are as follows:
- Mild or serious anxiety, feeling low
- Problem in sleeping
- Concentration levels go down
- Memory loss
- Sex drive is less(libido)
- Hot flashes
- Dry vagina, leading to discomfort and pain during intercourse
- Sweating at night, while asleep
The extent of the issues can vary amongst women. Many women remain unaware of their Perminopause phase. Often, the symptoms have a serious impact.
Why are there so many changes in the body?
The body has ‘messengers’, known as hormones. They are present in the bloodstream. They affect some body processes and body functions. This can be direct or indirect effects.
In the middle age of a woman, production of oestragen is less in the ovaries. There is less production of the ovarian follicles. This reduces the ability to respond for the ovaries. They fail to respond to Luteinzing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone(FSH). These hormones are necessary to regulate and reproduce progesterone, testosterone and oestrogen.
This leads to variations in the bleeding pattern. The decline in oestrogen and the fluctuation in the levels of hormones causes it. This is including intermenstrual bleeding that is different from having an irregular mensuration.
What does it mean when the gynecologist says you have Intermenstrual Bleeding?
When there is bleeding prior to or after the periods, the bleeding is not a part of your menstrual cycle. This change is not uncommon for women who are above forty years of age.
But it is wise to search for private gynecology appointment near me and consult the specialist at earliest. This is to rule out the possibility of dysfunctional uterine bleeding. One example can be to check for cervical cancer. Get a cervical smear done. Another possibility is of uterine cancer. This requires an ultrasound scan of the pelvis. The scan will check the womb for cancer.
These issues are the worst of the possibilities. It is prudent to get the tests done to understand which of these symptoms can be a problem.
Do I need to see the Gynecologist?
Perimenopause causes intermenstrual bleeding and irregular periods. This is completely normal.
There are some other reasons for menstrual bleeding. It is best to meet your gynaecologist at Private GP London if you are facing these problems:
- Periods are heavy.
- Period have blood clots
- There gap between period is less
- Spotting happens during intercourse
- Spotting happens between periods
There are some health issues that cause bleeding. Some of them are:
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Clotting of blood
- Hormone problems
Polyps and fibroid can happen due to Perimenopause. STI’s, cervical erosion or cancer can happen due to a number of other reasons also.
There are certain habits of lifestyle that affects your periods:
- Smoking
- Contraception for hormones
- High level of stress
- Too much exercise
- Excess weight gain or loss
- Poor diet intake
Your irregular period is, in all probability, due to Perimenopause.
Are you having any gynecological problems? Wondering which is the best option for gynecology in Harley Street? Reach out to Private GP London clinic for the best treatment and patient care.
